Every Way (Brush of Love 4)

“It is,” she said mindlessly. “I noticed a display of designs over there by the register. On those small little canvases.”

“They’re from a local tattoo artist,” I said.

“I knew it. That’s Drew’s work, isn’t it? Drew Carmichael? Man, he was always so talented at that kind of thing. I can remember when he did Bryan’s tattoo on his back. He has this picture of their family cabin on his back. I was in awe of it when he first showed it to me.”

This woman knew about Bryan’s tattoos?

“Yes. Drew Carmichael,” I said. “They’re his designs.”

“Bryan’s are better if you ask me. He should outsource his work to Drew. He’s got this geometric pattern or something on his arm. Absolutely breathtaking.”

I gripped the broom tightly as my face began to pale. She really knew Bryan. Who the fuck was this woman? I didn’t ever recall Bryan mentioning anything about a Laura to me.

“How far along?”

“What?” I asked.

“You’re obviously expecting. How far along are you?” Laura asked.

“Um, seven and a half months,” I said.

“Huh. I would’ve pegged you to almost be there,” she said.

“What?” I asked.

“Has the pregnancy been rough? It looks like it’s been rough.”

“Come again?” I asked.

“You know, I’ve got this number for a fabulous health and fitness trainer. She could really help you get your body ready to bounce back from that baby of yours. Here, let me get her card.”

I watched as this woman dug around in her purse as anger pooled in my chest. I looked down at my body, my stomach jutting out and my tits bulging from my top. I looked over at the window and caught sight of my face. My cheeks had grown, and for the first time in my life, I had a prominent double chin.

“Here. Take her card. Call her as soon as you can. She will really make that weight loss easier.”

Laura dangled a card from her fingers like she was doing me some bullshit favor.

“I don’t think I’ll need it, but thank you,” I said.

“Oh, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Some women don’t carry pregnancy as well as others. Take me, for instance. My body wouldn’t distribute weight like yours has. It would be easier for me to bounce back, but with the right time and the right exercises, you’ll be back to tip-top shape.”

Her smile was dripping with disgust, and I thought about ramming her head through one of the paintings on the wall.

“I’m sorry, how do you know Bryan?” I asked.

>

“Oh, we grew up together. I heard he’s doing well working alongside Ellen St. Claire at the foundation. That’s such a wonderful job for him. He’s perfect for it.”

I felt sick to my stomach as the woman slowly headed for the door.

“Anyway, think about giving that woman a call. Men like Bryan are hard to come by and even harder to keep around. If he’s going to keep himself in top condition, he’s going to surround himself with people who can too. It’s how men like him operate.”

I felt myself growing lightheaded as the bell above the door rang out.

“Have a good ... day.”

My back collided with the wall as I slid down to my ass on the floor. What the hell had just happened? Who the fuck was Laura? How the hell did she know Bryan? And what gave her the right to stroll on in here and take a shit on my world?